Primary Care Health Network News
Primary Care in the Spotlight Nearly 150 people attended the Primary Care Forum on 24 October to workshop how to improve primary care across the State and to meet others involved in the sector. Organised by Department of Health Western Australia Primary Care Health Network, the Forum explored the availability and scope of primary care services, and their link with tertiary, general and specialist hospitals. Representatives attended from general practice, RACGP, health services, allied health, non-government organisations, and also included consumer and carer advocates. “The Primary Care Forum provided an opportunity to consider how we can improve primary care in WA and also how the introduction of Primary Health Networks can enhance the delivery of care to our patients,� said Dr Mike Civil, Clinical co-lead, Primary Care Health Network.
The workshops focused on the areas of communication, system financing and performance, demand management, and integration. Primary Care Health Network Co-Leads Dr Aesen Thambiran and Dr Mike Civil will now review the numerous opportunities identified by workshop participants. WA Health has 18 health networks which comprise over 3500 consumers, doctors, nurses, midwives, allied health professionals, carers and policy makers, who care about improving health services in WA. They were established after a major review of health services in 2003 to enable a new focus across all clinical disciplines towards prevention of illness and injury and maintenance of health. For more information about the Forum, or to find out when the report will be available from the website, contact healthpolicy@health.wa.gov.au, call 9222 0200, or join WA Health Networks (www.healthnetworks.health.wa.gov.au) to be kept informed of the Primary Care Health Network’s activities.
Clinical Co-Leads Primary Care Health Network
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“It also enabled like-minded, passionate primary care stakeholders to network and share ideas.� Key topics of discussion on the day included: t FYQMPSJOH PQQPSUVOJUJFT UP QBSUOFS XJUI UIF OFX $PNNPOXFBMUI funded Primary Health Networks to provide a seamless transition of care for consumers between primary care and the hospital sector. t TVQQPSUJOH 8" )FBMUI JO EFNBOE NBOBHFNFOU TFSWJDF integration, communication, and system financing and performance strategies through engagement and collaboration with the primary care sector. t JEFOUJGZJOH JTTVFT BOE LFZ UIFNFT UP JOGPSN UIF EFWFMPQNFOU PG a statewide implementation plan for the WA Primary Health Care Strategy 2011.
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Dr Mike Civil Dr Civil has worked as a general practitioner in Kalgoorlie, and now Kalamunda and High Wycombe. He has been extensively involved with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, and in particular with Standards of General Practice, eHealth and Telehealth. Presenting widely on the Personally Controlled eHealth Record, Dr Civil sees that the role of GPs is crucial to the focus and coordination of primary care. Dr Aesen Thambiran Dr Thambiran is the Medical Director of the Humanitarian Entrant Health Services for the North Metropolitan Health Service. He previously worked as a general practitioner in Lockridge for many years. Dr Thambiran brings both public and private sector experience to this role. He believes that the major challenges facing the health system provide opportunities for broad-ranging policy and clinical reform.
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